The Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr.Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, today participated in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Sensitisation and Onboarding Programme for Local Government Chairmen in Kaduna State, held at Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja.
The programme marked a significant step in Kaduna State Government’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and inclusive governance at the grassroots level. It brought together key government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and local government leaders from across the state to discuss strategies for institutionalising open government principles within local councils.
The event was led by the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, and was attended by senior government officials, including the Honourable Commissioner of the Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed. Other participants included representatives of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, civil society organisations, and officials from both the national and state OGP secretariats.
Throughout the programme, participants were provided with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and objectives of the Open Government Partnership, with particular emphasis on the critical role of local governments in promoting transparency, accountability, public participation, and effective service delivery.
Discussions focused on practical approaches to strengthening citizen engagement in governance, improving access to public information, enhancing service delivery mechanisms, and building stronger trust between government institutions and the people they serve. Stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration between government and citizens as a pathway to sustainable development and responsive governance.
The programme is expected to equip local government chairmen across Kaduna State with the tools and expertise required to champion open governance reforms, strengthen public trust, and advance inclusive development at the grassroots level. As Kaduna State continues to embrace the ideals of the Open Government Partnership, local governments are positioned to play a more active role in bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring that development is both participatory and sustainable.
